Sigma
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Sony E Mount
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary — 18–50mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sigma lineup.
$549
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
Sigma
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Sony E Mount
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary — 56mm f/1.4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sigma lineup.
$429
Launch priceReleased Nov 2018
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is 2.9 years newer.
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Wins
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Wins
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- B56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
- B56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
- A18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.15 ×)
- B56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 38 cm)
- A18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 70 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 70 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds ED
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
280 g vs 290 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
89 mm vs 91 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary and 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary at major authorized retailers.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.